Housing issues

The latest housing statistics for Scotland show encouraging signs of recovery in the number of new homes being completed over the last financial year, ­including a record number delivered by local authorities. The Scottish Government has also committed itself to surpass its target of delivering 30,000 ­affordable homes over the current term of the Scottish Parliament, which is hugely welcome.

At the same time, the number of new homes being completed by housing associations is 45 per cent lower than it was in 2009-10, when completions by that sector reached a peak of more than 5,500 units.

Overall, we are building 9,500 fewer homes per year than we were prior to the recession.

In the lead-up to next year’s Holyrood elections, we look forward to a stimulating debate with all parties about how we can deliver many more new homes to meet growing demand in Scotland in the years ahead, while recognising the considerable financial constraints we ­currently face.

Ashley Campbell

Policy and practice officer,

Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland

Edinburgh